As the academic year draws to a close, the Comparative Literature Department gathered for a vibrant end-of-year celebration that recognized the milestones and achievements of its community. The event, held on May 7th HQ 131, was a festive occasion that brought together faculty, students, alumni, and staff to reflect on an exceptional year.
Honoring Faculty Excellence
One of the evening’s highlights was the formal recognition of faculty promotions. Marta Figlerowicz and Marta Fradinger, whose contributions to teaching, research, and service have left a lasting impact on the department, were applauded by their peers and students alike. Chair of the department, Jing Tsu, remarked, “We are proud of our colleagues’ achievements and the inspiration they provide to the entire academic community.”
Celebrating Student Success
The celebration also paid tribute to the graduating doctoral students, many of whom have achieved notable distinctions. Awards were presented to undergraduate students for outstanding senior theses.
Professor Figlerowicz spoke to the achievements of recent graduates. behalf of the graduating cohort. Some noted achievements: Ryan Hintzman will be Assistant Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Indiana-Bloomington.
Katie Kirkland will teach in Cinema Studies as Assistant Professor at SUNY-Binghamton.
Stefan Lessman has been welcomed as a Lecturer in the German Department here at Yale University.
A Decade of Impact: Journal Marks 10th Anniversary
Adding to the evening’s celebratory spirit was the 10th anniversary of the department’s journal, Journal of Literary Translation (JoLT). Launched in 2015, the journal has become a respected platform for innovative scholarship and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Guests were delighted by the story of its founding editor Adam Mahler reflecting on his commitment on the journal’s journey. Since its founding, the journal is entirely student run.
To commemorate the milestone, a special display of back issues was available on display.
Looking Ahead
With a sense of pride and anticipation, the evening concluded on a high note. As faculty look forward to new projects, students to new beginnings, and the journal to its next decade, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of the department’s collective strength and shared purpose.
